Wood and iron at work
The ancient traditions of wood carving and creating handmade ironwork items is still very much alive in the Dolomites today.
All three provinces of the Dolomites are renowned for their handicraft. In the past the tradition was passed on from father to son. Today there are specialized schools, such as the Art High School in Cortina, in the province of Belluno, which now teaches the ancient skill of working on timber and iron but also on glass, brass and other materials to the local craftsmen, many having become renowned artists of the area.
The wood carvers of Val Gardena in the province of South Tyrol have a fine reputation which dates back to the Middle Ages. Wood carving today goes hand in hand with the name of this valley which is home to many successful artists and which has its own an art school as well. Val Gardena in fact is famous for its wooden figures, religious motives, portraits, children’s toys or simple ornaments.
Worthy of mention in connection with Val Gardena is its Sculpture Fair Unika which allows you to experience the creation of a unique sculpture, find out about the ancient tradition of wood carving and consider the purchase of a very special work of art. The next Unika in Val Gardena will take place from 1st to 3rd September 2006.
